ELECTRIC vehicle drivers in Redcar and Cleveland have been given somewhere to get plugged in.

The first of 12 new electric car charging points planned for the borough is now in place. And over the coming months, a further 11 will give electric car drivers the chance to recharge their batteries.

The new plug-in point, at Guisborough’s Belmont House car park, is part of a “Plugged In Places” initiative, which gives councils the opportunity to apply to One North East for match funding to install charging points in their area.

Cabinet member for highways, planning and transport, Councillor Helen McLuckie, said: “As the major vehicle manufacturers reduce the cost of electric vehicles and improve their performance and reliability, it is important the council does all it can to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support it.

“These new charging points will establish an improved network in the area, making travel by electric vehicle much more attractive for the public.”

Drivers of electric vehicles can register to use the charging points by visiting www.chargeyourcar.org.uk

The website also provides information on charging point locations, journey planning and links to the switch to EV vehicle trial.

The North-east was chosen as one of three areas to trial the roll-out of electric vehicle technology, along with London and Milton Keynes.